Waiting has been the hardest spiritual growth skill for me. Impatient and energetic by nature, I like it when things move fast. But, if there’s anything I’ve learned about God in recent years it’s this, God is never in a hurry and He is often VERY…SLOW. While this is uncomfortable here’s what I know:
Waiting sets the stage and sharpens his instruments for HIs purposes!
Certainly, we see this throughout the Bible. Think about it.
- Abraham waited until He was well over 90 for his promised son.
- Joseph waited for many years before he realized His dreams.
- Moses didn’t step into his calling until he was in his 80’s
- David waited for years to become king.
From your human perspective, it may appear that time is ticking and years are slipping. But, God as, “The Alpha and the Omega,” holds a different perspective (Revelation 1:8). He’s sharpening and shaping you as His instrument. And, He’s setting the stage for the most dynamic presentation of His glory.
While you wait, here are some postures of praise from Psalm 37, to help you cultivate an attitude of expectation:
- Bowing in trust when I feel like pacing with worry! Vs 1 and 3 Do not fret….Trust in the Lord ad do good. Example of Hannah 1 Samuel 1 – bowing and weeping. Sometimes our worship is weeping. Here’s a new song to help you in your bowing journey. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvHi7N8kc8s Here I Bow by Jenn Johnson
- Laying down my burden when I feel like picking it up. Commit your way to the Lord. Vs. 5..The word “Commit” means to roll. One of the heaviest burdens Mothers carry is worry over their kids…..worry over weather or not their kids are walking with the Lord.
- Sitting still when I feel like taking Action – Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Vs. 7. This is one of the hardest challenges for us as believers. We’re wired for action! At one point in my life, everything in me wanted to take action to “fix” a situation but the Holy Spirit brought the words of Exodus 14:14 to mind, “I will fight for you while you remain silent.” So hard to be still and remain silent. But God often moves when we get out of the way!
- Raising my hands in worship when I feel like shaking my fist. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath…… (vs. 8) It’s easy to feel angry at God when He’s not moving as quickly as we’d like! Especially when we’ve been begging and pleading and the heavens feel silent. But instead I’d like to suggest to you that you raise your hands. Raised hands are the universal sign of surrender….and true worship includes surrender. Remember, your deepest desires are always met in God more than in the answer you’re hoping for.
Question: what has God taught you about waiting recently?
5 Responses
Shirl Lee
Amen. What a precious reminder to wait on the Lord!
Becky
Thanks, Shirl Lee! It’s hard to wait, huh? Blessings and Love to you!
Elaine
I have learned to trust even when nothing seems to be happening. I came across a song on YouTube by Kathy Troccoli called I Wait and the words are so appropriate, we wait, we trust, we lift it up to Him.
Rachel
My fiance and I broke up 3 weeks ago. We separated about 2 months ago and I have been in prayer continually. Waiting is not an easy task for me, I want to take action and “fix” things. Fixing things is something I do every day in my business, it’s my job. But, in this situation, God has told me to be patient, live in love, and pray. I know that God put this beautiful man and I together (and he knows that as well), but he has strayed from the path. He is living with his son in a very chaotic situation. His beautiful mother is 101 years old, and I go see her and we pray together. The last time I saw her she told me not to be sad because God has promised her He would answer her prayers. I pray many times every day for God to bless him, remove the bonds that have covered his heart and make him afraid of following God’s will for his life, and to put people in his life who can minister to him and speak truth to him. I have asked for his forgiveness in my own actions, but he’s only told me that I don’t need to apologize because we were both at fault. I have forgiven him for the lies and betrayal. I only want God’s will in my life, and in his. I love this man, and pray that God will soften his heart and show him that he deserves to be loved unconditionally.
I know that God is working in his life, and in mine. I know that God has removed me from his life for a purpose. If it be God’s will, I pray that we can be reconciled, but whether that happens or not, my greatest desire is that he live in God’s will, comfort, peace, and love. I miss him and what we had together (we are in our 60’s, and for the first time in my life I had made a commitment to never leave, no matter what, and to work through any and all difficulties).
God has given me lots of work in my business recently, which is keeping me occupied, and has also told me to “get my house in order”. I am concentrating on these things, and praying continually, and trusting that God will answer mine and his mother’s prayers together for his return to God’s presence. Waiting is not easy, but “In Everything, I Have Faith in God”.
Becky
Blessings too you and prayers as your heart heals, Rachel!!